Preparation and Application of La_0.75Sr_0.25Cr_0.5Mn_0.5O_3−δ Nanorods as SOFC Anode Materials

La_0.75Sr_0.25Cr_0.5Mn_0.5O_3−δ (LSCM) is an attractive candidate for perovskite-type anode of SOFC, in which hydrocarbon can be used directly as fuel. However, the poor electrochemical performance limits its practical applications. LSCM nanorods with aspect ratios of 20–40 were prepared by using a sol-gel method combined with electrostatic spinning process, which were subsequently used to form LSCM-GDC composite anode, in order to optimize microstructure and improve performance of the electrode. It was found that the LSCM nanorods tended to be single perovskite phase, as compared with the LSCM powders prepared by sol-gel method. Also, LSCM nanorods showed stronger resistance to agglomeration during the sintering process. By using LSCM nanorods, the porosity of the anode of LSCM-GDCǁYSZǁLSM-YSZ button cells was 50% higher than that of the one made of LSCM powder. The button cells were tested using 97%H₂+3%H₂O as fuel at 850 ℃, with maximum power density of 195.1 mW·cm⁻² and polarization impedance of 0.31 Ω·cm². In comparison, the values were 174.4 mW·cm⁻² and 0.31 Ω·cm² for the anode of LSCM powder.